U.S. patent application number 12/231470 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-04 for releasable security mount.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lucasey Manufacturing Company. Invention is credited to Edward L. O'Neill.
Application Number | 20100050706 12/231470 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41723355 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100050706 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Neill; Edward L. |
March 4, 2010 |
Releasable security mount
Abstract
An apparatus for securely mounting an appliance to a support
surface having interlocking components that securely mount the
appliance yet may be easily installed and uninstalled.
Inventors: |
O'Neill; Edward L.;
(Oakland, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Niro, Scavone, Haller & Niro;Suite 4600
181 W. Madison
Chicago
IL
60602
US
|
Assignee: |
Lucasey Manufacturing
Company
|
Family ID: |
41723355 |
Appl. No.: |
12/231470 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
70/58 ;
248/346.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 2200/02 20130101;
Y10T 70/5009 20150401; F16M 2200/08 20130101; F16M 11/08 20130101;
E05B 73/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
70/58 ;
248/346.01 |
International
Class: |
E05B 73/00 20060101
E05B073/00; A47G 29/00 20060101 A47G029/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for securely and releasably mounting an appliance
to a support surface, comprising: a base for engaging said support
surface; at least one upstanding locking post on said base, said
locking post having a shaft and a head; at least one locking
aperture on said base; a mounting bracket securable to said
appliance; at least one keyway on said mounting bracket to
cooperate with said at least one locking post; and, at least one
locking tab on said mounting bracket to cooperate with said locking
aperture on said base.
2. The support apparatus of claim 1 including a release tool having
at least one prong, said prong capable of disengaging said locking
tab from said locking aperture.
3. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein said locking post
includes a raised shoulder.
4. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein said keyway includes a
head opening, a shaft slot and a recessed shoulder.
5. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein a second mounting
bracket is provided, said second mounting bracket being securable
to said appliance and pivotably mounted to said mounting
bracket.
6. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein said locking aperture
is a raised member.
7. A security mounting apparatus to secure an appliance to a
support surface comprising: a base plate for attachment to said
support surface, said base including at least one locking post
having a shaft and a head and said base including at least one
locking member; a mounting bracket securable to said appliance,
said mounting bracket including at least one keyway slidably
engagable with said at least one locking post and at least one
locking tab depending from said mounting bracket engagable with
said locking member; and, a release member having at least one
prong which is capable of disengaging said locking tab from said
locking member.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein a second mounting bracket is
provided, said second mounting bracket securable to said appliance
and securable to said mounting bracket.
9. A mounting apparatus for selectively locking and unlocking an
appliance on a support surface comprising: a base for engaging said
support surface, including at least one locking post having a head
and a shaft and including at least one locking aperture; a mounting
bracket securable to said appliance, said mounting bracket having
at least one keyway slidably engagable with and capable of
retaining said at least one locking post; at least one locking
member depending from said mounting bracket and engagable with and
releasable from said locking aperture; and, a release member for
selectively releasing said at least one locking member from said at
least one locking aperture.
10. The apparatus of claim 10 including a second mounting bracket
securable to said appliance and which is pivotably mounted to said
mounting bracket such that said appliance may be rotated on said
mounting apparatus.
11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said locking member is
included on said mounting bracket and said locking tab is appended
to said base plate.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one locking
aperture is on said mounting bracket and said locking tab is on
said base.
13. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said locking member depends
from said base and said locking aperture is on said mounting
bracket.
14. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said locking aperture is a
raised member or protrusion capable of engaging said locking
member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present inventions relate to an apparatus for mounting
appliances to support surfaces. More particularly, the present
inventions relate to an appliance mounting apparatus that provides
interlocking components that securely mount an appliance to a
support surface and which is easily locked and unlocked.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There is a need to securely mount appliances, such as remote
controls, radios and televisions to countertops, dressers, tables
and other support surfaces, to prevent theft in hotels and other
places. It is also necessary to securely mount such appliances
while maintaining an aesthetic appearance. In addition, ease of
installation and removal for maintenance or replacement are also
important considerations.
[0003] The present inventions provide an apparatus for securely and
releasably mounting an appliance to a support surface having a base
for engaging the support surface, at least one upstanding locking
post on the base, the locking post having a shaft and a head, and
at least one locking aperture on the base. The present inventions
also include a mounting bracket securable to said appliance, at
least one keyway on the mounting bracket to cooperate with the at
least one locking post, and at least one locking tab on the
mounting bracket to cooperate with the locking aperture on the
base. A release tool having at least one prong, the prong capable
of disengaging the locking tab from the locking aperture is also
provided. The locking post may include a platform or raised
shoulder and the keyway may include a head opening, a shaft slot
and a recessed shoulder. The support apparatus may further include
a second mounting bracket or swivel plate, the second mounting
bracket being securable to the appliance and pivotably mounted to
the mounting bracket. In other embodiments, the locking aperture or
member may be located on the mounting bracket and the cooperating
locking tab may be located on the base.
[0004] The present inventions also provide a security mounting
apparatus to secure an appliance to a support surface, including a
base plate for attachment to the support surface, the base
including at least one locking post having a shaft and a head and
the base including at least one locking means, a mounting bracket
securable to the appliance, the mounting bracket including at least
one keyway slidably engagable with the at least one locking post
and, at least one locking tab depending from the mounting bracket
and engagable with the locking means, and a release member having
at least one prong which is capable of disengaging the locking tab
from the locking means. The security apparatus may also include a
second mounting bracket or swivel plate securable to the appliance
which in turn is secured to the mounting bracket. Alternatively,
the base plate may include the locking member and/or locking tab
and the mounting bracket may include the locking means or
aperture.
[0005] A mounting apparatus for selectively locking and unlocking
an appliance on a support surface is provided and includes a base
plate for engaging the support surface, at least one locking post
having a head and a shaft and at least one locking aperture, a
mounting plate securable to the appliance, the mounting plate
having at least one keyway slidably engagable with and capable of
retaining the at least one locking post, at least one locking
member depending from the mounting bracket and engagable with and
releasable from the locking aperture, and a release member for
selectively releasing the at least one locking member from the at
least one locking aperture. The apparatus may also include a second
mounting bracket securable to the appliance which is pivotably
mounted to the mounting bracket such that the appliance may be
rotated on said mounting apparatus. Alternatively, the locking
member may depend from said base plate and said locking aperture
may be on said mounting bracket. And, the locking aperture may be a
raised member or protrusion capable of engaging or being engaged by
said locking member.
Inventor's Definition of the Terms
[0006] The terms used in the claims of this patent are intended to
have their broadest meaning consistent with the requirements of
law. Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning
is intended. All words used in the claims are intended to be used
in the normal, customary usage of grammar and the English
language.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The stated and unstated objects, features and advantages of
the present inventions (sometimes used in the singular, but not
excluding the plural) will become apparent from the following
descriptions and drawings, wherein like reference numerals
represent like elements in the various views, and in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention in an installed or assembled position showing
an exemplary appliance secured to a representative support surface,
the embodiment also including an optional swivel plate or
turntable;
[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention showing principal components
prior to assembly;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2
shown in an assembled or locked position with portions shown in
phantom line to highlight their interaction;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of another preferred
embodiment of the present invention similar to that of FIG. 2 and
also including an optional swivel plate and a preferred release
member or key;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 4
shown in an assembled position with portions removed and/or shown
in phantom line to highlight principal components and their
interaction;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG.
5 shown in an installation position;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG.
5 from behind the assembly when installed as preferred with the
locking arms pointed to the rear;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the details of a
preferred locking post and keyhole assembly of the embodiment of
FIG. 6 shown in an installation position;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention showing cooperative portions of
a preferred locking member and locking aperture in an installation
position;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of details of the
components of the embodiment of FIG. 6 shown in an installed,
locked or mounted position;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 9 showing the locking
member and locking aperture in an installed, locked or mounted
position;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of
FIG. 11 shown with a preferred embodiment of a release member
engaged with a preferred locking tab of a locking member shown in
an unlocked or released position;
[0020] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention; and,
[0021] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 13
with a representative appliance shown on an exemplary support
surface in an installed and locked position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Set forth below is a description of what is currently
believed to be the preferred embodiments or best representative
examples of the inventions claimed. Future and present alternatives
and modifications to the embodiments and preferred embodiments are
contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make
insubstantial changes in function, purpose, structure or result are
intended to be covered by the claims of this patent.
[0023] Preferred embodiments of the releasable mounting device of
the present invention 10 that are particularly suited for mounting
an appliance 12 such as radios, remote controls, televisions and
the like is shown in the Figures. For example, FIG. 1 shows a
preferred embodiment of the present invention installed on a
representative support surface 14 that includes an optional swivel
plate 60 (see FIG. 4, exploded view of principal components). As
shown, a representative appliance 12, such as a radio, is secured
to a support surface 14. Similarly, FIG. 14 shows another
embodiment of the present invention 10, this embodiment sized and
shaped to secure a television 12 to a support surface 14, such as
granite or wood. FIGS. 1 and 4-7 show an embodiment of the present
invention 10 having an optional swivel plate 60. FIGS. 2 and 3 show
a preferred embodiment of the present invention 10 without a swivel
plate or turntable 60 for the appliance 12. FIGS. 13 and 14 also
show an alternative embodiment of the present invention 10, also
not including an optional swivel plate 60.
[0024] Regardless of the type of appliance 12, support surface 14
or the presence or absence of a swivel plate 60, important aspects
of the present invention 10 are shown in FIGS. 8-12. Specifically,
FIG. 8 shows the interaction of a preferred locking post 22 with a
preferred keyhole 32 in an installation position. FIG. 10 shows the
interaction of the preferred locking post 22 with keyhole 32 in an
assembled, installed or locked position. FIGS. 9, 11 and 12 show
the interaction with a preferred locking aperture 26, locking
member 40 and release member 50. Specifically, FIG. 9 is in an
installation position, FIG. 11 is in a locked or installed position
and FIG. 12 shows a preferred embodiment of a preferred release
member 50 unlocking or releasing the locking member 40 so that the
mounting plate 30 may be disengaged from the base plate 20.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 13, a preferred embodiment of
the base or base plate 20 is shown in detail. Base 20 is designed
to be attached to or engaged with a support surface 14, such as a
counter, nightstand or dresser. In the embodiments shown, a
plurality of holes 21 are provided in base 20 through which
fasteners 27, such as screws, may be used to secure the base 20 to
the support surface 14. It will be understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art that a variety of fastening means 27 may be used
to secure base 20 to the support surface 14, including but not
limited to tape (see 27.sup.1, FIG. 13), epoxy, threaded fasteners
and the like depending upon the type of support surface 14.
[0026] Base 20 is also provided with at least one, but preferably a
plurality, of upstanding locking posts 22. Locking post 22 includes
a shaft 23 and a head 24. In a preferred embodiment, locking post
22 may also include a platform, raised shoulder and/or spacer 25.
Raised shoulder 25, in conjunction with recess 35 of mounting plate
30 as hereinafter described together function to provide a low
profile when in an installed and locked position, accommodating the
release member 50 between the base 20 and mounting plate 30, and at
the same time making unlocking of the two plates difficult without
access to the proper release member 50. It will be understood by
those of skill in the art that optional shoulder 25 may be formed
from part of base 20, or be a separate component. Similarly,
locking post 22 may be formed from separate components or be of a
unitary construction.
[0027] Base plate 20 is further provided with at least one, but
preferably more than one, locking aperture 26. Locking apertures 26
are designed to accept or be engaged by locking tabs 42 of locking
member 40, as hereinafter described. It will be apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art that locking apertures 26 may be
raised members, such as a shoulder or nub, that functions to engage
the locking member 40 as hereinafter described. In the preferred
embodiment, locking apertures 26 are positioned to the rear to
cooperate with locking tabs 42 of locking member 40 as hereinafter
described.
[0028] With reference to FIGS. 2-5 and 13, a preferred embodiment
of a top plate or mounting plate 30 may be better understood.
Mounting plate 30 is provided with a plurality of holes 31 to
accept threaded fasteners 38 to secure one side of mounting plate
30 to the base or bottom of an appliance. In typical use, the
rubber feet (not shown) usually found on appliances 12 are attached
to the bottom of the appliance 12 with screws. These screws and/or
the feet are removed and the screws used as threaded fastener 38.
Of course, those of skill in the art will understand that there are
a variety of ways to mount appliance 12 to mounting bracket 30
and/or swivel plate 60.
[0029] Mounting plate 30 is provided with at least one, but
preferably more than one, recessed keyhole 32 that is designed to
coincide and cooperate with corresponding locking post 22 (FIGS. 8
and 10). Keyhole 32 includes a shaft slot 33 to accommodate shaft
23 of locking post 22 and a head opening 34 that is intended to
accept head 24 of locking post 22. In a preferred embodiment, a
recess or recessed shoulder 35 is provided in mounting plate 30 as
part of keyhole 32. In this manner, when locking post 22 is engaged
with keyhole 32, the top of head 24 is flush with the top of
mounting plate 30 (see FIGS. 3, 5, 8 and 10) and sufficient
clearance left for release member 50.
[0030] Attached to the underside of mounting plate 30 is a locking
member 40 as shown in FIGS. 2-5. In a preferred form, locking
member 40 depends from mounting plate 30 and includes a locking arm
or arms 41 terminating in ends forming locking tabs 42. An
attachment end 43 is provided which may be used to secure locking
member 40 to mounting plate 30 by welding. It will be understood by
those of ordinary skill in the art that locking member 40 may
otherwise be secured to mounting plate 30. Arms 41 project
downwardly from mounting plate 30 so that tabs 42 may be engaged by
locking aperture 26 of base plate 20 when in the locked or
assembled position. In the preferred embodiment, arms 41 are spring
biased toward base 20 to function as hereinafter described. Also,
in the preferred embodiment, arm 41 points toward the rear of base
20.
[0031] A release member 50 may also be provided (FIGS. 4 and
12-13). Release member 50 has a handle 51 and at least one, and
preferably a plurality of, prongs or tines 52 that terminate in
tips 53. Prongs 52 are of a sufficient length so that when
mechanism 50 is inserted between base 20 and mounting plate 30,
they reach locking tabs 42 and disengage tabs 42 from locking
aperture 26 (see FIG. 12). Preferably, release member 50 has the
same number of prongs 52 as there are locking arms 41.
[0032] An alternative embodiment of the present inventions includes
a swivel plate 60 (see FIGS. 5-12). Swivel plate 60 is preferably
the same shape as mounting plate 30. Swivel plate 60 includes holes
61 to accommodate fasteners 63 that secure plate 60 to the desired
appliance (not shown). Plate 60 is then pivotably mounted to
mounting plate 30 through a center hole 37 using a pin 62 or
similar member. The fasteners used to secure swivel plate 60 and
base plate 30 to the appliance may be manipulated through the head
opening 34 of base plate 30. In this arrangement, holes 31 in base
plate 30 are not necessary.
[0033] In use, base plate 20 is secured to the support surface 14
using screws 27, tape 27.sup.1 or other means depending upon the
type of surface 14. Preferably, locking apertures 26 are placed
toward the rear. Mounting plate 30 or swivel plate 60 (if present)
is mounted to the bottom of the appliance 12, typically with screws
38. Preferably, the locking arms 42 point from front to back to
cooperate with locking apertures 26.
[0034] To install or lock the device 10, mounting plate 30 (with
appliance 12) is placed on top of base 20 such that the head 24 of
locking post 22 is inserted into head opening 34 of keyhole 32.
When in this position, the installation, position, locking tabs 42
are biased toward base 20 and about the upper face of base plate
20.
[0035] To achieve the mounted or locked position (FIGS. 1 and 14),
the appliance is slid forward along with attached mounting plate 30
or swivel plate 60. When the shaft of locking post 22 engages the
shaft slot 33 of keyhole 32 as shown in FIG. 10, locking tabs 42 of
locking member 40 engaging locking apertures 26 as shown in FIG.
11. As a result, the appliance 12, via mounting plate 30 or swivel
plate 60, is locked to base plate 20. In the installed or locked
position, mounting plate 30 cannot be lifted or separated from base
20 because head 24 of locking post 22 is restrained in shaft slot
33 of keyhole 32. In addition, because of the engagement of locking
tabs 42 with locking apertures 26, mounting plate 30 may not be
slid rearward absent the use of release member 50. In such a
manner, the present inventions secure an appliance 12 to a support
surface 14.
[0036] To unlock the mounting plate 30 from base plate 20 (for
example, to change the battery in an appliance), release member 50
is inserted between the two components. As shown in FIG. 12, the
tips 53 of prongs 52 disengage locking tabs 42 from locking
apertures 26. Mounting plate 30 may then be slid rearward so that
head 24 of locking post 22 may fit through head opening 34 of
keyhole 32. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that
there are other means to lock mounting plate 30 to base 22. For
example, mounting plate 30 may have apertures and locking member 40
may be attached to base plate 22.
[0037] The above description is not intended to limit the meaning
of the words used in or the scope of the following claims that
define the invention. Rather, it is contemplated that future
modifications in structure, function or result will exist that are
not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changes in
what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims. Thus,
while preferred embodiments of the present inventions have been
illustrated and described, it will be understood that changes and
modifications can be made without departing from the claimed
invention. In addition, although the term "claimed invention" or
"present invention" is sometimes used herein in the singular, it
will be understood that there are a plurality of inventions as
described and claimed.
[0038] Various features of the present inventions are set forth in
the following claims.
* * * * *